The artisans of a culture are true teachers. They are communicators of technique and creativity, of tradition and ingenuity. Most traditional handcrafts have been passed down through many generations. Here are a few topics that feature the wide variety of handcrafts that have survived for centuries and are still being produced and appreciated today. Each art form was originally created using available raw materials. If there was an abundance of palm or hemp, they made baskets and ropes. If they wanted to incorporate colors, they created natural dyes using fruit, leaves, flowers, or pecan shells. Cochineal, one of the most ingenious dyes, grows on cactus and generates a beautiful fuchsia, cranberry or purple color for textiles and paints.
We include over 20 typical cultural art activities at the annual Día del Niño festival and families are given copies of Cultura Cards to take home to continue art experiences with their families.
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Click on the topics below to learn more. You can always contact us if you would like a more intense workshop targeted for your group.
Alebrijes
Paper mâché was used to create these fantacy spirited animals called alebrijes. Learn painting techniques and explore the many ways to express your spirit with beautiful alebrijes.
Corn is also known as maize. In Mexico, every part of the ear of corn is used - even the husk! The artistic possibilities are endless.
Mascaras
Masks, or máscaras, have been used in everything from rituals and performances like dance or theater, to social events and celebrations. Learn how they are a part of Mexican culture and create your own.
Embroidery is used not only to enhance a grament but to tell a story.
Learn a few of these techniques to create your own design.
Learn how the Huichol people of Mexico created these unique "gifts to the gods" depicting nature and other symbols.
The Ojode Dios is a symbol of the power of seeing and understanding unseen things.It also makes a beautiful ornament.
Capture favorite family experiences in a handmade book.
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One of children's first art experiences is making cascarones filled with confetti. Learn the history and have some fun with this activity.
Other topics:​
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Book Binding – Discover some ancient Aztec techniques to bind your own books. Using the materials around them the Aztec used twigs and fibers to create pages and bind them into books. We will explore how to make beautiful books that hold the stories we want to tell and treasure.
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Coronas – Make wreaths for doors or create flower halos for your head using flower making techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn all the ways that coronas are used to enhance a celebration or highlight an event.
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Filigrana – Filigree is a fine art of curling silver and gold wire to make jewelry. As we explore this art and it’s traditions, we will practice curling paper and make our own creations.
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Fingerknotting – The history of fingerknotting does not originate in Mexico but when it was introduced to the indigenous people, it quickly took root especially on the fringe on the rebozo. Fingerknotting is an art form that has found its way into our keychains, bracelets, belts, wall hangings, and headbands. Learn the knots and create your art with this Cultura kit.
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Flores – In this Cultura kit you will discover flowers and plants native to Mexico and how they are still so familiar to us. We see poinsettias (cuetlaxochitl) at Christmas and the story of its origin from Mexico. The cempatchutli adorn all the graves for Día de muertos. Single blooms and bouquets, fresh and dried become arrangements in our homes. We will learn how to make different paper or felt flowers and use them as decorations and adornments.